Tips on Your College Application

TIPS ON YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION

KNOW AND ADHERE TO ALL DEADLINES!

The college application is the primary vehicle through which students are judged for admission.  The importance of this application cannot be underestimated.  The application for admission will receive much more favorable consideration if students take the following tips seriously.

1. Apply Early – Applications rushed through immediately preceding deadline will reflect lack of care completeness.  Admission staffs are more impressed by applications received one month early as opposed to those arriving the day before the deadline.

2. Neatness – Applications that are difficult to read will not receive equal consideration.

3. Completeness – an incomplete application tell a great deal about the applicant. (Rather than leave a question blank, indicate “not applicable” or N/A)

4. Honesty – Do not pretend to be something you are not, you will find out --- sometimes with drastic consequences.

5. Prepare Your Application Yourself – Only the student can prepare it in the best and most authentic way: a “TOO PERFECT” application may raise questions of how much help was received.

6. Recommendations –Recommendations should come from those who know the student best.  Colleges generally require no more than two, plus a school recommendation (usually written by the high school counselor). Addition recommendations are seldom helpful.  They may lead to the “thicker the file, the thinner the case” syndrome.

7. Teacher Recommendations- Give the teachers the forms early.  Don’t force teachers to resent you, the student, by asking them to write a recommendation at the last moment. Teacher recommendations should be obtained from junior or sophomore year teachers; they are the last to have had the student in class and know them the best.

8. The College Essay

The essay gives the student the opportunity to directly influence the admissions committee’s perception of the applicant in writing the essay, students should keep in mind:

     A. Am I being honest and open?

     B. Is the essay interesting to others?

     C. Give the committee a reason to admit you.

     D. It’s OK to ask for impute, but don’t polish the essay to the extent that it loses it’s “originality”

E. Follow directions carefully.  Do what is asked of the student application.  Don’t try to be too cute!  Art and music projects are acceptable especially if they apply to the student’s major.

   9.  Extra Curricular Activities- these should be presented openly and honestly.    Do not

minimize or  exaggerate.

DO:

      1.    Do find a “handle” or something that sets you apart.

2.     Do find out all you can about the college to which you are applying.

3.     Do show interest in the college and emphasize your reasons for applying

4.     Do provide your counselor information about your reasons for applying.

5.     Do establish a personal relationship with an admissions officer.

6. Do schedule your interviews. (It might be best to save the most important for last).

7. Do write your essays early.

8. Do show your essay to a teacher and/or counselor.

9. Do ask admission people about specific programs and requirements.

10. Do keep a copy of everything you send.

DO NOT:

1. Don’t ever get “boring”.  Don’t repeat information already in your application.

2. Don’t exaggerate or take credit for things that are not yours.

3. Don’t be arrogant or pushy.  Be assertive by not aggressive.

4. Don’t overload your application.

5. Don’t ask to have access to recommendations.  Comments that stress both your strengths and weaknesses are better than colorless, guarded references.

6. Don’t memorize or read from a list during the interview.  Spontaneity is important.

7. Don’t call the admissions office unless you have a critical problem or concern.

8. Don’t forget to write thank you notes. It helps to keep your name before the committee.

9. Don’t forget to visit the college representative when they visit your high school ore are in your area.

10. Don’t pretend to be superhuman; you have individual feelings, fears, strengths and weaknesses.

11. Don’t assume all the colleges are alike in their approach and admission standards; they are different. Research them as best you can.  Their college paper will give you an idea of present